Rogue traders caught selling cigarettes to children in north-east

Surveillance powers have been used in a bid to catch traders selling cigarettes to children in the north-east.

An Aberdeenshire Council report shows the local authority authorised the use of the powers four times in the 12 months up to October 1.

The report said: “Three related to the sale of nicotine products to under-18s and one of the authorisations granted related to the sale of counterfeit goods.”

The council also used the powers to send people undercover twice – to catch people selling cigarettes and designer goods.

Councils can use the powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) Act. They allow, for example, a child volunteering on behalf of the council to pose as a customer trying to buy cigarettes.

The report was presented to the latest meeting of the council’s business services committee.